2009 BMW 3-Series officially revealed

BMW has released the official press release along with a bunch of images of the 2009 BMW 3-Series which will arrive in dealerships starting October 2008. Besides the facelift to the front and rear of the new 3-Series, BMW has added an extended range of diesel and gasoline engines, the next-generation of iDrive with BMW ConnectedDrive, optimised all-wheel drive available for 5-engines and for the first time ever – a 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch.

New this year is the BMW 330d – powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel with a turbocharger that produces 245-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. 0-62mph comes in at 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. Even with all that performance the BMW 330d gets 42mpg – but we most likely won’t get it on the stateside (we’ll be getting the 335d later this year). Click through for a complete list for the 2009 BMW 3-Series powertrain range).

BMW has also added a double-clutch 7-speed sports automatic transmission from the new 2008 M3 to the BMW 335i coupe and convertible. BMW says that the transmission offers even more dynamic performance along with optimized fuel-consumption figures.

We’ll get more details of the U.S. 2009 BMW 3-Series lineup in a couple of months.

2009 BMW 3-Series :

Press Release :
“¢ The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring
extend their lead further in terms of driving dynamics, premium quality
and innovative technology.

“¢ The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring
combine elegance with a driving experience which is unique within
the competitive field.

“¢ The extended range of engines and the application of
BMW EfficientDynamics measures make the BMW 3 Series
the benchmark for sheer driving pleasure in combination
with exemplary fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

“¢ A new vehicle front, a side view with greater emphasis of the
dynamically elongated line, the rear section has a broader effect
due to more detailed lines. New headlamps, rear lights with
new contours characteristic of the brand, innovative lighting technology
and 3D effects.

“¢ Refinement of the interior trim with selected operating elements in a new
design and newly harmonised choice of colours and materials. The
characteristic combination of convex and concave surfaces characteristic
of the exterior is continued in the interior. Ergonomically optimised
positioning of the window lift operating panel on the driver side, new and
enlarged storage facilities.

“¢ New generation of the operating system BMW iDrive in conjunction with
optional navigation systems: ergonomically optimised iDrive Controller
for function selection and control by means of turning, pressing and tilting
movements, blind operation of buttons on the Controller for fast and
intuitive menu selection. Freely programmable functional bookmarks for
even easier operation. Navigation system Professional with extended
functions for destination entry, trip planning and map display. For the first
time, routes freely planned on the internet can be fed into the navigation
system using BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW ConnectedDrive world
premiere: unlimited internet use inside the vehicle as an optional extra.

“¢ Newly developed in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 330d:
aluminium crankcase, common rail direct injection of the third generation
with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 1,800 bar,
turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, output: 180 kW/245 bhp,
maximum torque: 520 Nm, diesel particulate filter and oxidation
catalytic converter as standard, exhaust gas norm EU 5, optional
BMW BluePerformance technology with NOX storage catalytic converter
for the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions as a requirement for
adherence to the threshold levels of the planned exhaust gas norm EU 6.

“¢ Variety of engines which is unique within the vehicle segment: five petrol
and five diesel engines, with output ranging from 105 kW/143 bhp in
the BMW 318i and BMW 318d to 225 kW/306 bhp in the BMW 335i.
All engine types with BMW EfficientDynamics measures: modelspecific
use of Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop Function,
Shift Point Display, needs-related control of auxiliary units and active
aerodynamics with Automatic Air Intake Flaps. All engine types with
unsurpassed fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as compared
to the relevant competitors. BMW 318d, BMW 320d, BMW 330d
and BMW 330xd are within the threshold levels of the future exhaust
gas norm EU 5.

“¢ 6-speed automatic transmission with optimised shift dynamics and
minimised converter slip now optionally available for the BMW 318d too.

“¢ Optimised all-wheel drive BMW xDrive enhances driving stability, driving
dynamics and traction. New additional DSC function with controlled
brake intervention including torque compensation increases driving stability
on bends. BMW xDrive now optionally available for five engine types
of the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the BMW 3 Series Touring, also for the
BMW 320xd ““ the first ever combination of BMW xDrive with a
4-cylinder engine in the BMW 3 Series.

“¢ For the first time, 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch
for the models BMW 335i Coupé and BMW 335i Convertible. The world”s
first 7-speed double clutch transmission designed for high performance
engines, shifting without interruption of traction for unequalled
dynamic acceleration, optionally automated or manual, unique combination
of the comfort of an automatic transmission with maximum dynamic
performance, further optimised acceleration and fuel consumption figures.

“¢ Comprehensive safety concept with extremely solid body structure, defined
impact paths, selective use of high-strength steels and special deformation
elements. Six airbags, 3-point automatic belts and headrests for all seats
as well as crash-active headrests for the front seats so as to reduce the risk
of head injury in the event of a rear-on collision as standard.

“¢ Engine types:

BMW 335i :
in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct injection
(High Precision Injection),
capacity: 2,979 cc, output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm,
max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300″“5,000 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 5.6 seconds (Touring: 5.7 seconds),
maximum speed: 250 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU:
9.1 litres/100 kilometres (9.3 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 218 g/km (222 g/km).

BMW 330i :
in-line 6-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection,
capacity: 2,996 cc, output: 200 kW/272 bhp at 6,700 rpm,
max. torque: 320 Nm at 2,750″“3,000 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 6.1 seconds (Touring: 6.2 seconds),
maximum speed: 250 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU:
7.2 litres/100 kilometres (7.3 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 173 g/km (175 g/km).

BMW 325i :
in-line 6-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection,
capacity: 2,996 cc, output: 160 kW/218 bhp at 6,100 rpm,
max. torque: 270 Nm at 2,400″“4,200 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 6.7 seconds (Touring: 6.9 seconds),
maximum speed: 250 km/h (248 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
7.1 litres/100 kilometres (7.2 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 170 g/km (173 g/km).

BMW 320i :
in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection,
capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 125 kW/170 bhp at 6,700 rpm,
max. torque: 210 Nm at 4,250 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 8.2 seconds (Touring: 8.4 seconds),
maximum speed: 228 km/h (226 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
6.1 litres/100 kilometres (6,2 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 146 g/km (148 g/km).

BMW 318i :
in-line 4-cylinder-petrol engine with direct injection,
Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 105 kW/143 bhp at 6,000 rpm,
max. torque: 190 Nm at 4,250 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 9.1 seconds (Touring: 9.5 seconds),
maximum speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
5.9 litres/100 kilometres (6.0 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 142 g/km (144 g/km).

BMW 335d :
in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
common rail direct injection of the third generation and
Variable Twin Turbo,
capacity: 2,993 cc, output: 210 kW/286 bhp at 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 580 Nm at 1,750″“2,250 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 6.0 seconds (Touring: 6.1 seconds),
maximum speed: 250 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU:
6.7 litres/100 kilometres (6.8 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 177 g/km (178 g/km).

BMW 330d :
in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger
with variable turbine geometry
capacity: 2,993 cc, output: 180 kW/245 bhp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 520 Nm at 1,750″“3,000 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 6.1 seconds (Touring: 6.2 seconds),
maximum speed: 250 km/h,
average fuel consumption according to EU:
5.7 litres/100 kilometres (5.9 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 152 g/km (155 g/km).

BMW 325d :
in-line 6-cylinder-diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger
with variable turbine geometry
capacity: 2,993 cc, output: 145 kW/197 bhp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300″“3,250 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 7.4 seconds (Touring: 7.6 seconds),
maximum speed: 235 km/h (233 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
5.7 litres/100 kilometres (5.9 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 153 g/km (155 g/km).

BMW 320d :
4-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger
with variable turbine geometry
capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 130 kW/177 bhp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 350 Nm at 1,750″“3,000 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 7.9 seconds (Touring: 8.1 seconds),
maximum speed: 230 km/h (228 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
4.8 litres/100 kilometres (4.9 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 128 g/km (130 g/km).

BMW 318d:
4-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
common rail direct injection of the third generation and turbocharger
with variable turbine geometry
capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 105 kW/143 bhp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 300 Nm at 1,750″“2,500 rpm,
acceleration [0″“100 km/h]: 9.3 seconds (Touring: 9.6 seconds),
maximum speed: 210 km/h (210 km/h),
average fuel consumption according to EU:
4.7 litres/100 kilometres (4.8 litres),
CO2 emissions according to EU: 123 g/km (125 g/km).

The new BMW 3 Series .

It is the epitome of sporty flair in its segment and for years it has maintained
the leading position as the mostly widely sold premium vehicle in the world.
Now the BMW 3 Series sets out to extend its lead even further. Specific
design modifications, a further refined interior design, the new generation of
the optional operating concept BMW iDrive, new services provided by
BMW ConnectedDrive, a revised range of engines and innovations in the areas
of drive technology, safety and comfort make both the new BMW 3 Series
Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring more attractive than ever before.
With rear-wheel drive, harmonious axle load distribution, outstanding steering
precision and highly sophisticated chassis technology, the BMW 3 Series
sets unsurpassed standards for driving dynamics in its segment. More than
ever before, this unique driving pleasure can now be combined with
an awareness of economy and minimised pollutant emissions. Thanks
to BMW EfficientDynamics the new BMW 3 Series achieves significantly
lower fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels with each of the
ten engine variations available than those of the relevant competitors in the
premium segment.

The new features in the powertrain field include the further optimised
electronically controlled all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This intelligent
all-wheel drive system which variably distributes the drive force between
front and rear wheels to enhance driving dynamics as well as ride stability
and traction can now be combined with five engine types. The new
BMW 320d xDrive is available as a Saloon and Touring model. Another new
feature for both body versions: the BMW 318d ““ by far the most efficient
vehicle of its category with an average fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per
100 kilometres ““ is now also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the
new BMW 3 Series Touring, a new 7-speed sports automatic transmission
with double clutch will be presented for the Coupé and the Convertible
of the series. This allows further improved acceleration figures in the models
BMW 335i Coupé and BMW 335i Convertible, and combines this added
dynamic performance ““ as compared to the standard 6-speed manual
transmission ““ with the comfort features of an automatic transmission. The
7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch shifts without
interrupting traction.

New design accentuations for a sporty, elegant appearance .

With striking design accentuations to the front section, the side perspective
and the rear, the dynamic character of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon
has been given additional emphasis, while the new BMW 3 Series Touring
enhances its sporty, elegant profile with new visual features which are
recognisable from all perspectives.

Front section with bold shapes and an emphasis of width .

The front view of the Saloon and Touring models of the new BMW 3 Series
is characterised by a clear emphasis of vehicle width. The characteristic brand
look of the double circular headlights is underscored by means of chrome
tubes, and their corona rings can now also be used in the BMW 3 Series
Saloon and the Touring model with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime
running lights. The light sources of the direction indicators have a ribbed
structure and LED direction indicator lights are installed in conjunction with
the optional bi-xenon headlamps.

Side view with elegantly elongated lines .

Powerfully taut surfaces and striking character lines dominate the side view
of the new BMW 3 Series. The contour edges of the side skirts have been set
higher and modelled in a more distinctive fashion. Another new feature is
the exterior mirrors with two distinctive character lines, echoing the interplay
between the convex and concave shaping of the surfaces. The mirrors
also offer an enlarged field of vision.

The rear: sporty and tight with a new lighting design .

Greater emphasis of the vehicle”s power and sporty character likewise
characterises the rear view of the new BMW 3 Series. To achieve this effect,
the rear bumpers, rear lights and luggage compartment handle have been
completely redesigned. The dual section rear lights are now structured
according to the characteristic BMW L shape. The two LED rear light clusters
and the direction indicators in LED technology are designed to create
a striking, high-quality appearance.

The widened track of the new BMW 3 Series especially contributes to
its powerful appearance. Depending on the model, the track of the rear axle
has been widened by up to 24 millimetres by means of a new wheel carrier
and other modified details.

High-quality materials and optimised ergonomics in the interior.
The modern, high-quality interior of the BMW 3 Series has been further
enhanced by means of specific modifications in the selection of materials and
surface design. Here the modern design concept is also applied, with its
convex-concave surfaces, sporty elegance and technology-oriented aesthetic
style.

Premiere for the new generation of the operating concept BMW iDrive.
The operating system BMW iDrive is optionally available in the new
BMW 3 Series for the activation and control of entertainment, information,
navigation and telecommunications functions, whether standard or
optional. The new generation of iDrive is available in conjunction with the
optional navigation system Professional. What is more, the new iDrive supports
multi-mode operation by voice entry. With the new iDrive generation, BMW
extends its lead over comparable systems made by other manufacturers in
terms of display quality and intuitive operation. Using the four direct selection
buttons grouped around the Controller, it is especially easy to switch
spontaneously between CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. The
functional bookmarks are supplemented with three control buttons.
Control Display with high-resolution graphics and variable layout.
The new iDrive in the BMW 3 Series is presented with a 8.8 inch Control
Display whose dimensions surpass all graphic displays available to date in the
automobile field. With its high image resolution it offers significant improvement
in the display of detailed graphics. The structure of the user menu
also makes it easier to locate desired functions. All functions controllable by iDrive are listed in the starter menu.

Hard drive for audio files and navigation system .

The features of the navigation system Professional include a hard drive
integrated in the vehicle. The storage medium with a capacity of 80 GB
provides outstandingly fast access to digital maps for navigation purposes and
can also be used for an extensive collection of music files. The system
enables music files to be transferred to the hard drive from a CD, MP3 player
or USB stick.

World premiere for unlimited internet use inside the vehicle .

BMW ConnectedDrive makes BMW the first automobile manufacturer in the
world to enable unlimited use of the internet inside the vehicle when stationary.
Internet access is available for the new BMW 3 Series as a special equipment
option at attractive flat-rate conditions. The transfer of data is based on
EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which unlike
UMTS offers full geographical coverage and is three to four times faster than
the mobile phone standard GPRS. The basis for internet use in the vehicle is
provided by the further developed functions of iDrive. By pushing the Controller
in different directions, the mouse can be moved across the web page shown in the Control Display.

BMW ConnectedDrive with extended range .

As a dynamic concept, BMW ConnectedDrive offers the products BMW Assist,
BMW Online, BMW TeleServices and BMW Tracking, depending on the
country in question. At the same time BMW ConnectedDrive is designed for the
ongoing further development of services to increase mobility and information
convenience. The Enhanced Emergency Call with automatic positioning
and remote control functions are examples of safety-related options which are
already available, extending the lead of BMW ConnectedDrive over the
competition.